Yes! Men also pole dance, and they are increasingly taking over gyms, studios, and competitions in Brazil and around the world with male pole dance. Far beyond just an artistic practice, pole is a complete discipline that builds strength, coordination, and body expression, and there’s no gender barrier limiting who can climb a pole!
The Origins of Male Pole Dance
Although pole dance originally grew in popularity among women, the art form evolved over time, incorporating influences from circus arts and acrobatics to become what we know today: a diverse, highly technical discipline with endless possibilities for every body.
Today, pole includes a wide range of styles, from Pole Classique and Sensual to Pole Sport, and male pole dance has been gaining remarkable visibility as more athletes embrace the discipline. In the world of man pole dance, expression is just as diverse: some focus on the acrobatic and strength-driven aspects, others prioritize artistic performance or sensuality, while many adopt pole as a powerful form of functional strength training — just as female pole dancers do.
Notable Men in Pole Dance
Many male pole dancers began their journey in circus, dance, or calisthenics. Let’s get to know some of them, starting with Brazilian names:
Carlos França
One of the veterans of Pole Art in Brazil, Carlos França helped put the country on the world pole stage before the discipline was widely popular. A circus and pole artist, he’s also Gaia’s longest-standing partner, responsible for testing equipment before new releases.
Diover Almeida
Current world champion in Pole Sport and Aerial Pole, Diover started pole around eight years ago with no prior dance or movement training. Today he consistently lands on major podiums and competes in both Pole Sport and choreographed pole and circus styles.
Renas
A major reference in the Old School style, Renas is also a circus performer, choreographer, visual artist, and teacher. He played a key role in introducing Pole Exotic training in São Paulo, helping shape many of today’s Brazilian pole influencers.
Lucena Maciel
Current male champion of the Exotic Generation Brazil, Lucena also won the Overall Professional title, the competition’s highest honor. He’s been training pole since 2019 and, in 2022, left the corporate world to go pro.
Gui Ambrosio
Another prominent Brazilian in the male pole scene, Gui is both an acrobat and dancer. Known for world-traveled performances and polished technique, he impresses audiences with his dynamic shows and standout costumes.
International Male Pole Icons
Sergiy Mishchurenko
A Ukrainian pole dancer and professional trapeze artist, Sergiy is known globally for his work on Flying Pole, the dynamic, rubberized swinging pole, and has built a huge international fanbase.
Vladyslav Tsarov
A renowned circus and entertainment artist, Vlad represented Ukraine at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain, one of the most prestigious contemporary circus festivals.
Saulo Sarmiento
A Spanish acrobat, dancer, and circus artist, Saulo began gymnastics at age 13. He has performed with Cirque du Soleil and gained wide recognition after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent (2016). He now tours with Cirque du Soleil and works as a trainer.
Albert Amores
One of the youngest male talents in pole today, Albert, only 18 years old, has already become a leader in Flying Pole and earned 10 world championship titles. He gained global fame after reaching the Britain’s Got Talent semifinals and impressing judges worldwide.
Dimitry Politov
A Russian world champion and one of his country’s pole pioneers, Dimitry now focuses on training and leading pole masterclasses around the world, including his renowned Pole Camps.
Male Pole Dance Is More Than a Trend
Male pole dance is more than a trend, it’s a celebration of strength, expression, and equality within the art and sport of movement. Regardless of the style you choose, pole embodies what Gaia Pole stands for: freedom of movement, safety, and performance with precision. With equipment designed for all body types and training levels, the brand fully supports inclusion in the sport, pole is truly for everyone.
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